Chapter 77: Crown Prince’s Concubine – 5

On the day of the bride’s first visit home¹, Old Madam Xie prepared several carriages full of return gifts. She even told Ren Xin, “Just come back after you’ve had dinner at home. Our family doesn’t have that many strict rules.”

“Thank you, Grandmother!”

After arriving at the Ren Family home, Xie Liangchen was taken to the study by her brother and father, while Ren Xin was cornered by Mother Ren and bombarded with questions: “Is your husband treating you well? Does he have any bedchamber maids² or concubines? Is the Old Madam easy to get along with?”

“It’s alright. It’s only been a few days, but everything is quite harmonious. I really haven’t heard anything about him having concubines, but I’ll ask him later. Grandmother is very kind, and little Qingfeng is great too. Anyway, I’m doing well. Don’t worry, Mother!”

Mother Ren looked at her simple-minded daughter and found it impossible to stop worrying. “It’s my fault for raising you to be so naive. I have no idea if you’ll be able to handle the Xie Family’s rules!”

Rules?

Ren Xin hadn’t felt like there were any rules. She slept until she woke up naturally every day, ate whatever she wanted, and played with Qingfeng when she was bored. Life was wonderful. Aside from having to deal with the overly energetic Xie Liangchen, everything was perfect.

Wasn’t this much better than being in the palace?

Ren Xin didn’t want to stay for dinner; she planned to take Xie Liangchen and leave. Her family wasn’t wealthy to begin with, and there was no need for them to go through so much trouble and expense just to prepare a feast for the two of them.

“Father, Mother, Brother, please go back inside. I’m leaving now.”

Mother Ren couldn’t help but cry, and Ren Xin’s brother’s eyes turned red. Their daughter and sister truly belonged to another family now.

On the way back, Xie Liangchen feared Ren Xin might be in low spirits, so he specifically bought two sticks of candied haws. “One for you and one for Qingfeng. Don’t be sad. If you miss home, you can come back whenever you want. Grandmother will agree to it.”

Ren Xin crunched loudly on the candied haws, not feeling particularly sentimental at all. As she ate, she complained, “These aren’t sweet enough, and they stick to my teeth. I’ll make my own when I get home.”

“You know how to make them?”

Ren Xin was displeased. “Are you looking down on me? If I really put my mind to it, I could put both you and me on a skewer and coat us in sugar.”

Xie Liangchen: “…”

“Xin Xin, I have to leave in a few days.”

“Ah, you’re leaving? I’m going to miss you so much,” Ren Xin said with a look of mock sorrow.

Xie Liangchen: “…” This little heartless thing.

“I’ll write to you as often as I can. Be good at home, alright?”

Ren Xin disagreed. “That won’t do. Once you’re gone, you won’t be able to control me even if I’m not good.”

Xie Liangchen said with a chuckle, “I know. That’s why I’ve hired a governess for you. She was my wet nurse and had already retired to enjoy her old age, but I’ve invited her back specifically to make sure you behave.”

Ren Xin: “!!!” Are you even speaking a human language?

However, knowing when to fold, she quickly said, “I promise I’ll be good. Don’t worry.”

As if feeling the impact wasn’t enough, Xie Liangchen raised the stakes. “Furthermore, I’ve already spoken with the clan school. You will be attending classes along with Qingfeng.”

Upon hearing this, Ren Xin flew into a rage. “Xie Liangchen, is there something wrong with you! I’m your wife, not your daughter! Stop trying to manage me!”

“Don’t say that. I’m just afraid you’ll miss me too much and start overthinking things!”

Ren Xin snorted coldly. “You’re not a good person. I want a divorce!”

“That won’t work. Our marriage was granted by imperial decree³!”

Ren Xin: “…” Look at you acting all high and mighty.

The matter was unilaterally decided in the carriage. No matter how much Ren Xin threw a tantrum, it was useless.

Fine then. Since she couldn’t resist, she would just accept it.

Once Xie Liangchen left, she still had some standing with Grandmother. A little acting spoiled would fix everything.

“Don’t think about asking Grandmother to help you, either. I’ve already told her that these were all your requests, and that I only reluctantly agreed.”

Ren Xin: “…” How could this man be even more wicked than her?

Translator’s Notes